Ski Snowbird’s Best Runs – Alta Ski Guide Snowbird Events
Ride the Greatest Snow on Earth
Snowbird is famous for steep skiing and deep powder snow. Every winter, skiers and snowboarders come to Little Cottonwood Canyon from all over the world to test their riding skills on Snowbird’s best runs. Since its founding, over 40 years ago, Snowbird has become known as the extreme skiing capital of North America. Many professional big mountain riders call Snowbird their home mountain. It’s not surprising to see some of biggest names in skiing riding the tram.
How to Ski Snowbird
Snowbird is an exciting place to ski and ride. But you don’t have to be a pro enjoy the best runs at Snowbird. In addition to Great Scott and the Gad Chutes, there’s also plenty of intermediate cruisers, such as Chips Run and Regulator Johnson. Mineral Basin, located on the backside of Hidden Peak, offers tons of open terrain and intermediate powder skiing. On this page, we’ll highlight the best runs at Snowbird. No matter what level of skier of snowboarder you are, you can find the perfect place to enjoy Utah’s famous powder snow.
Chickadee
Chickadee is perfect for first time skiers. Located right next to the Cliff lodge with its own lift, this short run is a great place to make your first turns. Even though the riding is mellow, Chickadee had great views and Mount Superior looms above.
Big Emma
Big Emma is a beginner skier’s paradise. This open run is low angle and easily accessed from the Creekside lodge. Ride the Mid-Gad lift and enjoy the mountain learning area. Big Emma is a great place to push your skiing further and get a taste of Utah’s famous snow.
Chips Run
Designated as the easiest way down from the top of the Tram, Chips Run is a classic way to enjoy Snowbird’s beautiful alpine terrain without getting into too much trouble. The beginning of Chips run takes you down the ridge on a series of cat tracks. After that, you follow smooth moderate terrain that flows beneath the cirque and several of Snowbird’s famous steep runs.
Regulator Johnson
Regulator Johnson is all about open, alpine skiing with stunning views. This northwest facing run is easily accessed from either the Tram or the Little Cloud lift. Often groomed down the middle, adventurous skiers can traverse to the right and find fun power stashes. Skiing or snowboarding Regulator is a must for any Snowbird rider.
Mineral Basin
After a fresh snow, Mineral Basin is the place to be. Open terrain and tons of options make Mineral Basin feel like a world of its own. If you’re unsure of where to go, head down the Path to Paradise. Ride the Baldy lift to the entrance to Alta or lap out the Mineral Basin chair. In the spring, since it faces south, Mineral Basin is a great place to find corn snow.
Silver Fox
Dropping right below the tram, Silver Fox is a steep north east facing run with great snow and perfect steep skiing. Since it begins at Hidden Peak and winds its way down the entire resort, skiing Silver Fox gives you the most fall line vertical skiing at Snowbird. Many long-time locals will ski Silver Fox hundreds of times a year.
Gad Chutes – Barry Barry Steep:
The Gad Chutes are a series of steep northwest facing runs on the backside of the Cirque. When the snow is good, this terrain provides the longest powder runs at Snowbird. Be careful in the Gad Chutes as there are numerous cliffs and the route finding can be complex. Barry Barry Steep, located at the farthest skier’s right of the Gad Chutes, faces due north and holds great snow for days after the storm.
Great Scott
The highest point on the Cirque, Great Scott is steep, consistent, and intimidating. Getting into this run requires entering through a cornice or side stepping over rocks. Once you’ve made it into the top, great snow and lots a vertical await. Great Scott is a test piece for all Snowbird extreme skiers.
Thanks for reading about Snowbird’s best runs. This list is just the beginning. As many locals will tell you, you could spend a lifetime skiing or riding Snowbird and still find new runs. We love sharing our passion for skiing and riding. Come stay with Canyon Services and discover the wonders of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.